AN MP who said a hunting ban would send the message to the countryside to "let loose the dogs of war" was yesterday accused of making pathetic arguments by a government minister.

Countryside minister Alun Michael accused North Wilts Tory MP James Gray of talking nonsense and spreading confusion about the issues surrounding hunting.

He said Mr Gray, the Conservatives spokesman on hunting, should be telling hunting supporters in Wiltshire to obey the law when the ban becomes enforceable. During an impassioned speech in November, when the Government successfully passed a law banning hunting with hounds, Mr Gray quoted Shakespeare and predicted a wave of civil disobedience in the countryside.

Yesterday, speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Michael said Mr Gray should tell hunting supporters to obey the controversial law.

He added: "It is absolutely clear what the law is and the Honourable Gentleman for North Wiltshire ought to read the act and ought to be counselling his constituents to obey the law.

Mr Michael made his comments after announcing the Government was confident that the courts will decide that the ban due to come into effect on February 18 invalid.

Yesterday Mr Gray said: "It is not a matter for the government, it is not a matter for the Attorney General.

"It is a matter for the courts and frankly the Government's view on the matter is irrelevant."

Quoting from Julias Caesar, Mr Gray said passing a ban with no delay would send a hidden message to the countryside: "a message which reads 'Cry havoc and let loose the dogs of war'."